When is the best time to volunteer abroad? After high school? After university? If you think international volunteering is just for kids, think again. More and more career-breakers and retirees are packing their bags and heading out to donate their time to a good cause. What’s more, most NGOs will jump at the chance to welcome people who can bring lots of skills and experience to the team.
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| Chris with 8th grade students on a school picnic in Cheung Ju, South Korea,1979 |
But don’t take my word for it. Chris Kondas from Ohio, USA, is a volunteering veteran who’s balanced a busy professional life with a will to do good at home and around the world. At 60, Chris has volunteered in countries from Asia to Latin America. He now runs his own insurance agency, enjoys time with his three young grandchildren (aged six, three, and four months) and volunteers in the community as much as possible.
So what sparked a lifetime of amazing volunteering? It all began with an adventurous step into the unknown world of 1970s far-east Asia. Chris recalls, “I started in South Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer helping to teach English in a girl’s middle school. There were 80 girls in each class so it was pretty difficult. I thought Korea was crowded but exciting. I’ve been back many times since and seen it change and modernise over the years.”
As tough as teaching a class of 80 kids must have been, Chris wasn’t put off from volunteering and he’s been giving his time to different causes ever since:
“I wanted to try volunteering in a different country every year. It hasn’t quite turned out that way because I seem to keep going back to Arequipa.”
In fact, Chris has been to serve the Flora Tristan community in Arequipa five times. Why does he keep getting drawn back to the white city? “Arequipa has so many different things you can do, and the city shows lots different sides of Peruvian society. There’s also a lot of history, and seeing the main square lit up at night is amazing. Arequipa just offers everything. And although I’ve volunteered all around the world, I think the volunteer experience at Flora Tristan is just wonderful.” Arequipa is such a great destination that Chris has brought his daughter, niece, son-in-law and godson here too (and we’re exited to be welcoming back his niece McKenzie next week!).
In fact, Chris has been to serve the Flora Tristan community in Arequipa five times. Why does he keep getting drawn back to the white city? “Arequipa has so many different things you can do, and the city shows lots different sides of Peruvian society. There’s also a lot of history, and seeing the main square lit up at night is amazing. Arequipa just offers everything. And although I’ve volunteered all around the world, I think the volunteer experience at Flora Tristan is just wonderful.” Arequipa is such a great destination that Chris has brought his daughter, niece, son-in-law and godson here too (and we’re exited to be welcoming back his niece McKenzie next week!).
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| Chris on a recent trip to Flora Tristan |
So why spend your vacation volunteering? Well, for Chris, a vacation isn’t about sitting on a tour bus and being shepherded around the sites. It’s about living in a country, experiencing the culture, and meeting incredible people: “I really like interacting with people. I don’t care if it’s five year olds or 80 year olds! As a volunteer, you get to meet a lot of great people.”
Even back home, Chris can’t help helping people. During the 1980s he set up programs for migrants from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam to help them settle into the community and learn English.
So what advice can Chris offer to anyone reluctant to volunteer abroad because they think it’s just for college grads? “If you really want to get to know a country during your vacation, do a volunteer trip. If you want a career break but you’re not sure what to do, do a volunteer trip. If you’re a retiree or someone looking to retire and want to travel, do a volunteer trip! Don’t just tour the country. Actually live in the country – even if it’s just for a few weeks.”
Any other tips? “I worry about companies that charge you $1,000 a week to volunteer, but there are plenty of opportunities with organisations that are free or charge a nominal admin fee – and volunteering for them is the best way to travel in the world.”
So where is Chris planning his next trip? Well, there’s only one option really… “Arequipa!”
So where is Chris planning his next trip? Well, there’s only one option really… “Arequipa!”